Why do we need to bring humanity back into the workplace?

Bringing humanity back to work can mean different things to different people and organisations. At Olivier Mythodrama, we aim to address the human element that’s often overlooked in corporate environments. To me it signifies a shift in perspective and approach to work that prioritises the overall happiness, fulfilment, and growth of individuals. Bringing humanity back to work means acknowledging that employees are not just cogs in a machine but are people with emotions and aspirations.

It involves empowering individuals by providing opportunities for growth, professional development, and meaningful engagement. It recognises and leverages employees’ unique talents, skills, and perspectives, encouraging a sense of purpose and alignment with organisational goals. It also involves promoting a healthy work-life balance, where individuals have the flexibility to manage their personal responsibilities while still fulfilling their professional obligations. Most importantly it emphasises the importance of mental and physical well-being, promoting strategies that support stress management, and promoting a positive work culture.

There are many advantages for an organisation that promotes this way of working.

Prioritising humanity in the workplace acknowledges that employees are not solely focused on their professional responsibilities. It recognises their emotional, physical, and mental well-being as crucial factors that impact their overall performance and satisfaction. When employees feel supported, valued, and cared for, it positively influences their productivity, engagement, and loyalty to the organisation.

It recognises that employees have personal lives, commitments, and responsibilities outside of work that require attention and time. By nurturing an environment that allows for flexibility and understanding, employees can better manage their personal and professional obligations, leading to reduced stress, improved job satisfaction, and increased retention rates.

When employees are treated with humanity, they feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and connection to their work. They are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute their best efforts. Recognising and appreciating employees’ individual strengths and providing opportunities for growth and development further enhances their engagement, leading to improved performance and organisational success.

By bringing humanity into the workplace helps create a positive work culture based on trust, respect, and collaboration. It encourages open communication, empathy, and understanding among team members. A supportive and inclusive work culture leads to increased creativity, innovation, and a sense of camaraderie, which not only enhances productivity but also attracts and retains top talent.

Prioritising humanity in the workplace reflects ethical and responsible leadership. It demonstrates that an organisation values its employees as more than just assets and considers their well-being as a fundamental aspect of its operations. This approach to leadership builds trust and strengthens the organisation’s reputation both internally and externally.

While technology and automation continue to shape the workplace, the human element remains essential. By embracing humanity in the workplace, organisations can harness the unique qualities of individuals to drive innovation, collaboration, and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and successful work environment.

So how can you achieve this? It needs to start with the leadership of an organisation. By developing self-aware and compassionate leaders, organisations can create a culture that encourages personal growth, collaboration, and innovation. Having worked with global organisations for many years I have seen the effect that a lack of humanity in the workplace can bring to teams and organisations. By reconnecting individuals with their authentic selves and tapping into the power of storytelling, organisations can create more engaged, purpose-driven, and productive workplaces.

Olivier Mythodrama has been delivering innovative and thought provoking leadership training for over 20 years. The people and organisations we have worked with describe our training as life changing. We think they’re right. We already work with some of the world’s leading businesses. Are you ready to join them?